I have had this tent for two seasons backpacking in the SW mtns for 4 to 6 weeks of hiking each time. The weight is much better than my old North Face 2-person 6 lb tent, but the Alps has less protection from the wind and the rain. We did stay dry in the rain, but the vestibule fly door could be anchored better at the bottom and the tent is cooler because of the total mesh, which is nice when it is hot but a little cold when it's not.

We had a pole failure two days out in NM Wilderness, the end split, some trusty duct tape to finish that hike and a small hose clamp to finish the season and I can't say enough about Alps Mtn company. I sent the defect poles in and they sent me a new set of poles.

It would be nice to go lighter but for the price this tent works nicely. It's a good high desert mtns tent and worked well for the two of us. The zippers still work fine after all that use which is a plus and the tent still looks great. I use the foot print from my North Face and it works fine.

I would look for a tent with a better rain fly system and taller sides in places that have heavier weather like the Tetons, Bridger Wilderness etc. It would work, but when you get out four days you want to be sure you are covered.

All I can say great little tent. I found the Zenith…

All I can say great little tent. I found the Zenith 2 AL for sale on the Sierra Trading Post website. It was just the tent I was seeking for since I do solo backpacking. Very lightweight and pitching is quick and very simple-under three minutes for me. I'm currently using this tent in Ohio's Wayne National Forest at the Lamping Homestead Camp Grounds in Monroe County.

This tent offers a full-coverage rainfly with two stake-out vestibules. I stay nice and dry in this tent, even in the hardest of rains. Just the right amount of room inside this tent. Though this tent is rated as a two-person model, I find it a wee bit small for two adults. Better as a one person tent with enough room without that "claustaphobic" feeling. I think I found the perfect tent for backpacking. Nice colour too-rust with sage green trim.

This is the perfect one person tent in my opinion. However I should point out it is better suited for warmer times of the year, since the tent body is all mesh. A bit cold for colder months. Does not hold heat in as a result.

I know I will run the risk of being persecuted by certain people on the backpacker.com forums due to the fact I do not endorse those BIG name brands (such as Sierra Designs or Mountain Hardware for example). Let them insult me--ALPS still makes good gear. Case closed.